The sun began to set over the towering stone walls of the Fortress Palace, its ancient structure standing proud like a timeless guardian.
The courtyard, once silent, now trembled with the heavy footsteps of arriving titans — the leaders of the great villages.
From the Lightning Clan, Loki Saito arrived first, his sharp golden hair and electric blue cloak crackling faintly with stored energy.
From the Empire Kingdom, Queen Merlin Suzuki herself graced the palace, her silver armor glinting under the sunlight, a regal aura surrounding her like an impenetrable shield.
From the Water Village, a figure both feared and revered — Zeref, the enigmatic protector whose name alone could silence armies — walked forward, his long black coat rippling like dark water behind him, his golden eyes gleaming coldly.
And finally, already waiting atop the marble steps, stood Kenshin Sato, the unshakable pillar of the Fortress Clan, his arms folded calmly across his broad chest, radiating command and confidence.
The leaders gathered in the grand war chamber of the palace.
The stone walls were lined with banners — each bearing the symbol of one of the five clans.
A massive round table made of dark oak stood at the center, surrounded by high-backed chairs.
As they took their seats, Kenshin spoke first, his voice like the rumbling of distant thunder.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Kenshin said.
Loki smirked, resting his boots casually atop the table.
"When the great Kenshin Sato calls, even lightning listens."
Queen Merlin chuckled lightly, smoothing her cloak.
"You wouldn't call us unless it was something that threatens us all."
Zeref remained silent, his eyes half-closed, listening intently.
Kenshin's expression hardened.
"It does."
He placed a heavy scroll onto the table.
As it unfurled, detailed sketches of monstrous figures and names written in ancient tongues were revealed.
"Demons," Kenshin said, voice sharp.
"But not the ordinary ones you know."
He gestured toward one sketch — a chilling, human-like demon with void-like eyes and a cruel smile.
"Demons like the one me, Rin, Yami, and Zeref fought years ago," Kenshin continued.
"They're called the Generals of Hell — demons that have shed their monstrous forms and taken on human appearances."
A heavy silence fell over the chamber.
"They are intelligent, organized... and merciless," Kenshin said.
"They've formed their own clan — the Forsaken Clan. Their goal is simple: Retrieve the keys we guard, free Hades, and bring the end of this world."
Queen Merlin's voice, usually so composed, was edged with unease.
"And you're certain?"
Kenshin nodded grimly.
"I've confirmed it myself. One of these demons, Illumi, was sighted personally."
The leaders shifted uncomfortably.
Even Loki dropped his casual act, sitting upright now.
"And there's more," Kenshin added, locking eyes with each of them in turn.
He pulled a second scroll, smaller, from his sleeve — this one bearing the faded sigil of a once-proud clan: the Apollo Clan.
"I've found him," Kenshin said softly.
"Rin's son."
Gasps echoed around the table.
"The last surviving heir of the Apollo Clan — and the rightful successor to its power. His name is Dai."
Kenshin allowed the words to hang in the air before continuing.
"Alongside him is a boy named Dante. He carries... special blood."
"Special?" Queen Merlin asked.
Kenshin nodded.
"Dante is a half-demon.
His powers are unique — destructive and adaptable. If raised properly, he could become one of our greatest weapons."
The room grew even heavier with tension.
Demons were the enemy — but now they would trust one?
Kenshin stood, placing both hands firmly on the table.
"Which brings me to my next point," he said.
"We cannot rely on old strength alone."
He looked each leader in the eye, his gaze fierce.
"It's time to prepare the next generation."
"A tournament," Kenshin announced.
"Each of your villages will send your strongest young warriors. Here, at the Fortress Palace, they will compete — and the winners will be trained personally to stand with us against the Forsaken Clan."
Murmurs erupted between the leaders.
Loki grinned wildly.
"Now that sounds like my kind of party."
Queen Merlin smiled softly, already thinking of her mighty sons and daughter
Zeref remained still.
Then, a lone figure — calm and detached — rose from his seat.
It was Zeref himself.
The once-legendary protector, his black hair falling loosely over his golden eyes, said only this:
"I won't be sending anyone."
Everyone turned toward him, startled.
Zeref's voice was low, but resolute.
"I'll fight alone."
For a moment, the tension was almost unbearable — until Kenshin smirked, shaking his head.
"That's what I expect from you, old friend," Kenshin said.
A few chuckles escaped around the table, but the respect in Kenshin's tone was clear.
"You'll always be more than enough."
Zeref gave a rare, slight nod.
Kenshin continued:
"Still, for the sake of the future...
I ask you all to send your strongest warriors. Not just for this war... but to build a generation stronger than us."
As the final rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, the leaders sat in thoughtful silence, the weight of the coming war pressing down on them.
In that moment, alliances were formed.
Fates were sealed.
And somewhere deep within the Fortress Palace...
New heroes were already being forged.